In simple words: Modifier QP is used when your doctor orders a specific lab test or group of tests individually, not as part of a standard set of tests. It shows that there's documentation proving the doctor ordered the specific test(s). It doesn't change how much the test costs.

This modifier is used to indicate that documentation is on file showing that the laboratory test(s) was ordered individually or ordered as a CPT-recognized panel, rather than as part of an automated profile (codes 80002-80019, G0058, G0059, and G0060). It is appended to laboratory service codes when a clinician orders a single test, whether an individual test or a panel test. For instance, if a lab performs multiple tests, they report them with the single laboratory code and modifier QP, indicating documentation is available showing the clinician ordered them as a single test or panel. This modifier is informational and does not affect payment.

Example 1: A physician orders a comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP) for a patient. The lab uses a single code for the CMP along with modifier QP, indicating that the entire panel was specifically requested by the physician., A patient presents with symptoms suggestive of a lipid disorder. The physician orders a lipid panel, which includes tests for cholesterol and triglycerides. The lab reports the panel with a single code and modifier QP to confirm that the specific panel was ordered., A physician orders individual tests for glucose, electrolytes, and creatinine for a patient. These tests are typically part of a basic metabolic panel (BMP). However, if the physician only needs these specific tests, the lab can report them individually with modifier QP to demonstrate that only these tests were ordered, and not the entire BMP.

Documentation must be on file that shows the clinician's order for the specific laboratory test(s), either individually or as a CPT-recognized panel. This documentation justifies the use of modifier QP.